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Spine Conditions

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Lumbar spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower part of your back, compressing the nerves traveling through the lower back into the legs.

At CalSpine MD, our spine surgeon, Dr. Ball, treats lumbar spinal stenosis frequently, as it is a very common condition affecting the lower back. The lumbar spine (lower back) consists of five vertebrae in the lower part of the spine, between the ribs and the pelvis, connecting your upper spine to the pelvis. If you are diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis, Dr. Ball will work with you to find a treatment option that works best for you, whether it involves surgery or nonsurgical methods.

Most often, spinal stenosis develops due to degenerative changes in the spine, such as with osteoarthritis or degeneration. These changes can narrow the spinal canal, eventually putting pressure on the nerve roots. Disc herniations can also cause spinal stenosis.

Degenerative spinal stenosis is a very common condition. By the age of 50, 95 percent of people will experience degenerative changes in the spine. However, not everyone experiences symptoms.

Other causes of lumbar spinal stenosis include

  • Narrow Spinal Canal (Congenital)
  • Injury to the Spine, such as Fracture or Acute Disc Herniation
  • Spinal Tumor
  • Certain Bone Diseases
  • Past Surgery of the Spine
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis

Symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis are similar to other common spine conditions, so it is important to get a proper diagnosis so that you can start the right treatment plan.

Lumbar spinal stenosis can cause back pain and radiating pain, weakness, numbness, and/or tingling in the low back, buttocks, legs, or feet.

Many patients with spinal stenosis in the lower back are limited in their ability to walk, whereas leaning forward or sitting improves the symptoms.

In severe cases, spinal stenosis can cause loss of bladder or bowel control. If you experience this, seek immediate medical attention.

To diagnose lumbar spinal stenosis, Dr. Ball will ask you about your symptoms and do a complete physical exam, looking for signs of spinal stenosis, such as loss of sensation, weakness, and abnormal reflexes. Dr. Ball may also order X-rays of your lumbar spine, a CT or MRI scan, a bone scan, a myelogram (a CT taken after injecting dye), or an EMG test (an electrical test of muscle activity).

At a Glance

Dr. Hieu Ball

  • Double fellowship-trained orthopedic
  • Orthopedic surgery residency at Harvard Medical School
  • Over 20 years of spine surgery experience
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